'Carbon border tax will deepen inequality' - South Africa warns UK about proposed plans
The UK, which plans to introduce the measure by 2027, will penalise imports based on the amount of climate-warming carbon generated in their production
Carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants. Picture: FrankHoemann/SVEN SIMON / dpa Picture-Alliance via AFP
Motheo Khoaripe speaks to Dr Azar Jammine, director & chief economist at Ecomometrix.
Listen to the interview in the audio player below.
South Africa is unhappy about the United Kingdom's plans to impose a carbon tax on imported goods.
The UK, which plans to introduce the measure by 2027, will penalise imports based on the amount of climate-warming carbon generated in their production.
South Africa believes such legislation will further deepen global inequality, making it even more difficult for Africa and other developing countries to adapt to climate change.
Many of the world's developing nations are already accusing so-called industrialised nations of shifting the obligations of combatting global warming onto poorer countries.
Speaking to Motheo Khoaripe on The Money Show, Dr Azar Jammine, director and chief economist at Ecomometrix, says like many countries on the continent, South Africa's economy is dependent on carbon.
Jammine says there are many products manufactured in South Africa that are have a high carbon footprint.
He says it's impossible for developing countries to meet the UK's carbon tax deadlines by 2027.
"There is a huge dependence on coal-fire powered energy to produce a whole range of goods and services." - Dr Azar Jammine, director & chief economist - Ecomometrix
"Aluminum products for example are very highly-dependent on coal to generate electricity. The same for concrete. The same for cement and cement. The same for fertilizers and a whole lot of other goods, industrial goods that South Africa manufactures." - Dr Azar Jammine, director & chief economist - Ecomometrix
"To roll that back in three years is very demanding...that's what South Africa is complaining about, the timelines being imposed." - Dr Azar Jammine, director & chief economist - Ecomometrix
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